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Science Education

Report

Changing the Subject: K–12 Teachers' Use of and Access to Science-Specific Instructional Materials, Feedback, and Professional Learning

In this Data Note, researchers use the 2020 American Instructional Resources Survey to examine how teachers' science instruction is supported and whether supports differ from those that teachers reported for English language arts and math.

Apr 21, 2021
Journal Article

Examining Design and Statistical Power for Planning Cluster Randomized Trials Aimed at Improving Student Science Achievement and Science Teacher Outcomes

In this study, we consider strategies to maximize the efficiency of the study design when both student and teacher effects are of primary interest.

Nov 25, 2020
Journal Article

The Impact of Climate and Weather on a Small Tourism Business: A wSWOT Case Study

This teaching case explores the impact of climatic trends and weather on one location of an outdoor tourism industry business in the coastal community of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Jul 3, 2019
Commentary

Open Science and a Culture of Health: You Two Should Talk

By working together, the Culture of Health and Open Science movements could increase their potential to accelerate the use of scientific evidence to address impediments to population health and collective well-being.

Mar 7, 2018
Report

Open science: The citizen's role in and contribution to research

The report summarises the conclusions of an expert consultation exploring how citizens are increasingly becoming involved in scientific research. It investigates the benefits and challenges that citizen science poses for different stakeholders.

Oct 11, 2017
Report

Open Science: The citizen's role and contribution to research

Branching from Open Science is 'citizen science,' -- the increased involvement of amateur scientists in the various stages of the scientific research process. This publication explores the definitions, opportunities and challenges for citizen science.

Jul 17, 2017
Tool

Officer Accession Planning: A Manual for Estimating Air Force Officer Degree Requirements

This tool describes and provides implementation guidance for the process RAND Project AIR FORCE created to develop evidence-based degree requirements for officer accessions.

Aug 1, 2016
Commentary

Instead of Promoting STEM Education Indiscriminately, Try This

With all the evidence demonstrating the importance of STEM education for success in the 21st century, well-intentioned policymakers may be tempted to indiscriminately promote all STEM curricula, across all levels of education. But unpacking what STEM really means reveals the need for a more nuanced approach.

Mar 31, 2014
Journal Article

Measuring Instructional Practice in Science Using Classroom Artifacts: Lessons Learned from Two Validation Studies

This article summarizes the results of two studies that investigated the properties of measures of instruction based on a teacher-generated instrument (the Scoop Notebook) that combines features of portfolios and self-report.

Jan 1, 2012
Research Brief

Measuring the Progress of the Math Science Partnership of Southwest Pennsylvania

This research brief summarizes RAND's evaluation of the Math Science Partnership of Southwest Pennsylvania's progress toward increasing student achievement, increasing the quality of the educator workforce, and creating sustainable partnerships.

Apr 8, 2009
Journal Article

A Longitudinal Investigation of the Relationship Between Teachers' Self-Reports of Reform-Oriented Instruction and Mathematics and Science Achievement

This study explored the relationship between mathematics and science achievement and reform-oriented teaching over a 3-year period.

Jan 1, 2009
Research Brief

Is the United States Losing Its Edge in Science and Technology?

This research brief examines the claim that the United States is losing its position as a global leader in science and technology and offers policy recommendations to address such concerns.

May 28, 2008
Report

U.S. Leads the World in Science and Technology With Help of Foreign Scientists

An inflow of foreign students in the sciences -- as well as scientists and engineers from overseas -- has helped the United States build and maintain its worldwide lead in science and technology.

May 7, 2008
Research Brief

Does Reform-Oriented Teaching Make a Difference? The Relationship Between Teaching Practices and Achievement in Mathematics and Science

This research brief summarizes a three-year study of the relationship between reform-oriented instruction and student performance in mathematics and science.

Nov 14, 2006
Report

Improving Mathematics and Science Education

A multiyear, National Science Foundation-funded study found weak positive associations between reform-oriented mathematics and science instruction and achievement. Encouraging teachers to adopt such instruction is unlikely to be an effective strategy for promoting large and rapid student improvement.

Sep 8, 2006
Report

Merging University Students into K-12 Science Education Reform

The National Science Foundation (NSF) asked RAND to study the range of NSF programs that connect science graduate and undergraduate students to K-12 classrooms.

Jan 1, 2002
Report

Issues in Building an Indicator System for Mathematics and Science Education

Examines one option for developing an indicator system within the National Science Foundation (NSF) to monitor the success or failure of the education system in mathematics and science.

Jan 1, 1996
Report

Evaluating and Validating Indicators of Mathematics and Science Education

Discusses two fundamental aspects of the quality of educational indicators — their reliability and validity.

Jan 1, 1992
Report

Indicators for Monitoring Mathematics and Science Education: A Sourcebook

Contains a collection of papers summarizing the major research on elementary and secondary schooling conducted over the past decade, and outlining what those studies suggest for designing improved educational indicators.

Jan 1, 1989
Report

Indicator Systems for Monitoring Mathematics and Science Education

Addresses the question of the National Science Foundation's role in monitoring mathematics and science education. Identifies several options for developing a system of education indicators.

Jan 1, 1987